by Kathy Wolfe
This week, Tidbits’ focus is on some rather obscure events commemorated during the month of April.
• As you celebrate National Dandelion Day on April 5, consider all the good things about what we often think of as a pesky weed. Dandelions have been used in Chinese traditional medicine for more than 1,000 years, when they were prescribed for many ailments – warts, constipation, and even the plague! Every bit of the dandelion is edible, with a cup of raw greens providing 112% of the daily requirement for Vitamin A. They have more Vitamin A than spinach and more Vitamin C than tomatoes. Dandelions are rich in iron, calcium, and potassium, and are beneficial in helping the body’s liver eliminate toxins from the blood. Dandelion tea is a proven remedy for digestive problems. Although we make efforts to remove them from our lawns, as part of the daisy family, they were a favorite flower in European gardens. It’s believed the plants arrived in North America on the Mayflower, brought for medicinal purposes. Why are they so hard to get rid of? It’s because their roots go as deep as 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 m)!
In this issue of TidbitsMOV our girl Tammy Tidbits is hiding
APRIL OBSERVANCES
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• National Pecan Day is observed on April 14. The word “pecan” has its origins in an Algonquin word that means “a nut that requires a stone to crack,” due to its hard shell. Yet pecans aren’t technically nuts. They’re drupes, as they are the fruit of a tree, along with peaches, plums, and cherries. The trees, which are native to the United States, (where 90% of the world’s supply is grown) are a variety of hickory tree, and there are more 1,000 different varieties of pecans. The trees won’t bear their fruit until it’s is 12 years old. A tree might reach a height of 150 feet (45.7 m), with a trunk diameter of over 3 feet (0.9 m). Each tree will have plenty of time to bear pecans, as the trees live for 300 years.
• April 15 is set aside every year as Titanic Remembrance Day in honor of the victims and survivors of this tragedy. When the luxurious 883-ft. (269 m) ship departed Southampton, England on its maiden voyage on April 10, 1912, it was deemed unsinkable. Yet when the ship struck an iceberg in the frigid waters of the Atlantic at 11:40 PM on April 14, it took just two-and-a-half hours for water to fill and rupture at least five of the hull compartments, breaking the ship in half, and sending it to the bottom of the ocean. A shortage of lifeboats and lack of adequate emergency procedures led to the deaths of more than 1,500 people. 706 survived. The remains of the Titanic were found during a 1985 expedition at a depth of 13,000 feet (3,962 m), 370 miles (595 km) off the coast of Newfoundland.
• Haiku poetry has a very strict pattern of structure. Traditional Japanese haiku is composed of one line of five syllables, followed by one line of seven syllables, and another line of five syllables, a total of 17 syllables. There is no rhyme scheme. It’s a brief poem with simple phrases, frequently articulating the imagery of nature. National Haiku Poetry Day is observed on April 17.
Find her and enter the weekly contest, please send us a message including your name, Postal mail address the issue number you are referring to and which ad is hosting Tammy for the week! Visit www.tidbitsmov.com or send the answer with the above information to alan@tidbitsmov.com OR you may send us a private message to our Facebook page - Tidbits MOV. PLEASE do not post the answer directly to the page - that ruins the fun for everyone. All winners will be drawn randomly from correct responses and will be posted weekly. As with all our contests, though you are welcome to play every week, you are only eligible for one winner per household per month.
Mario M from Washington WV Found
Tammy In Issue 1241
2123 Washington Blvd Belpre 740.423.5140
whypaymoreforyourfloor.com
APRIL OBSERVANCES
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• Mark your calendars on April 30 for the celebration of National Mahjongg Day. The game originated in China about 200 years ago and takes its name from the Chinese word for “sparrow.” Mahjongg is a rather complicated game requiring strategy and calculation. Although most of the 144 tiles in the game are now mass-produced plastic, they were originally hand-carved tiles engraved with Chinese characters and symbols. A few artisans still produce handcrafted sets, made of bamboo, bone, or ivory, first engraving the tiles, then cleaning them, followed by a painting process that can take weeks to complete. Each of the four players receives 13 tiles, then draw and discard tiles until they complete their hand. Although Americans think of Abercrombie & Fitch as a vendor of stylish fashions, the company, which was founded in 1892, was the first U.S. company to sell mahjongg sets during the 1920s. The game became immediately popular, requiring Ezra Fitch to send representatives to China to purchase every set that could be found.
• April 30 is also National Raisin Day, a day created by California raisin growers in 1909. Raisins can be considered one of nature’s nearly-perfect foods. They are rich in antioxidants to protect the body’s cells from damage and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Raisins are a good source of iron necessary for the production of red blood cells. Their calcium and boron content contributes to strong and healthy bones, while raisins’ potassium helps regulate blood pressure levels. If all of that isn’t enough, raisins are rich in the Vitamin B complex as well as a source of Vitamins C, E, and K and zinc.
APRIL OBSERVANCES
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• Even 8-track tapes have their own day, April 11. Coming to the market in 1964, this invention changed the way the public listened to music and provided a new way to enjoy music, especially on road trips. The 8-track was invented by William Powell Lear, best known for his design and development of the Lear Jet, and his founding of the Lear Corporation, the first mass-manufacturer of business jets. Lear, who received more than 140 patents during his career, improved on an earlier system, the 4-track tape, by doubling the number of tracks, producing longer uninterrupted playback. By 1965, the Ford Motor Company was offering 8-track players as an option in their new cars. Although 8-tracks enjoyed significant popularity during the 1960s and 1970s, with 1978 marking their peak, improved technology led to their decline. Cassette tapes were smaller and had better sound quality, and could be rewound or fast-forwarded to particular songs. Compact discs were introduced in 1982, giving rise to the final downfall of 8-tracks.
• Although Easter falls on March 31 this year, many years it lands during April. Why does the date change every year? Easter, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is observed on the first Sunday after the Paschal full moon, which is the first full moon on or after the Spring Equinox. The word “paschal” is a translation of the Aramaic word meaning “Passover.” Easter’s earliest possible date is March 22, with latest possible date of April 25.
Savor the Sloppy Jane: A Healthier Twist on a Classic Comfort!
Have you met my friend, Sloppy Jane? You probably already know her cousin, Sloppy Joe. They may be similar, but here's how you can tell them apart. This Sloppy Jane recipe not only offers a healthier alternative to its cousin, the Sloppy Joe, but it also keeps your wallet happy by being costconscious while creating mouthwatering sandwiches that won't weigh you down.
What sets Sloppy Janes apart from their traditional counterpart is the focus on lean meats and fresh, wholesome ingredients all without breaking the bank. Unlike the canned sauce varieties loaded with additives and preservatives, our Sloppy Janes sauce prioritizes nutrition and affordability without compromising taste.
These Sloppy Janes are a breeze to whip up, making them perfect for busy weeknights. And the best part? They reheat like a dream, so leftovers are just as delightful the next day! I always make a double batch.
This recipe was crafted with ground turkey for a lighter profile without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. However, feel free to get creative with your protein choice. This recipe works well whether you use beef, pork or whatever ground meat is least expensive this week!
SLOPPY JANES
Yield: 4 servings
Total Time: 20 minutes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (12 or 16 ounce) bag frozen 3 pepper and onion blend, defrosted (or fresh equivalent)
1 pound 90% lean ground turkey
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons granulated garlic
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon chili powder
Optional: 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste
For serving: 4 hamburger buns
1/2 cup shredded cheese
Optional: bread and butter pickles and/or pickled jalapeno slices
Add the olive oil to a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the onion and pepper blend. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they release most of their moisture and are cooked through. Push the peppers to the side and add the turkey. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Add the salt, pepper and garlic, and stir it all together. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl stir together the tomato sauce, mustard, brown sugar, vinegar, chili powder and cayenne, if using.
Add the sauce to the turkey mixture and simmer for 5 minutes or until Sloppy Joes are thickened to your liking, making sure to stir frequently. Adjust seasoning, if needed.
Serve hot on toasted buns. Top with shredded cheese and pickles.
Pair this with a crisp green salad or crunchy carrot and celery sticks for a well-rounded meal. Add some French fries or onion rings to really make the kiddies (and kids at heart) happy. And for those who prefer a set-it-and-forget-it approach, this slow cooker method ensures tender, flavorful Sloppy Janes with minimal effort. Just brown the turkey, toss all the ingredients in your slow cooker, cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low
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for 6 hours and let the slow cooker work its magic. If you'd like to stretch this recipe to add extra servings, there are several affordable options. First, you can double the veggies. Or you can just add more chopped onion. A nice, big, chopped sweet onion would be delicious. A can or two of beans would be a good addition, especially pork and beans or baked beans. Also, check your crisper drawer and add any peppers, tomatoes, celery or shredded carrot.
These sandwiches are sure to become a household favorite. So tuck in your napkin, because these are delightfully sloppy!
Lifestyle expert Patti Diamond is the pennypinching, party-planning, recipe developer and content creator of the website Divas On A Dime Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! Visit Patti at www.divasonadime.com and join the conversation on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom. Email Patti at divapatti@divasonadime.com
(c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
Sloppy Jane a guilt-free treat for your taste buds and your wallet!
TEFLON
Every cook loves non-stick cookware! This week, in commemoration National Teflon Day on April 6, Tidbits offers the history of this breakthrough material, considered the most slippery material in existence.
• In 1938, 27-year-old research chemist Roy Plunkett was working at the DuPont research laboratory in Edison, New Jersey. Plunkett had been assigned with the task of developing an alternative to existing fluorocarbon-based refrigerants, working with gases related to the Freon refrigerant. He and his assistant had produced 100 lbs. of tetrafluoroethylene during their experiments, and needed a way to store it. The TFE was placed in small cylinders and frozen. But when the two checked on the refrigerant some time later, all the cylinders seemed empty although their weight was the same as if they were full. After sawing a bottle open, the interior of the cylinder was coated with a waxy white solid that was extremely slippery. That powder was polytetrafluoroethylene, produced from the cylinder’s iron interior acting as a catalyst at high pressure, causing the TFE gas molecules to polymerize.
• DuPont obtained a patent for the synthetic polymer in 1945, giving it the name Teflon from the substance’s chemical name (poly) te(tra)fl(uoroethylene), and “–on” at the end.
• Although we think of Teflon as a non-stick coating for pots and pans, it was first used chiefly for industrial and military purposes. In the late 1940s, DuPont formed a partnership with General Motors, producing more than 2 million pounds (910,000 kg) of polytetrafluoroethylene every year at a Parkersburg, West Virginia plant.
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This Little Dog Has a Lot of Moxie
DEAR PAW'S CORNER: I adopted a small mutt from the local shelter and named her "Moxie." She's adorable but really energetic. She'll actually jump straight up in the air as high as my waist! She also tugs hard at the leash when we walk. How do I tame all of this energy? Janice F., Hyde Park, New York
DEAR JANICE: Congratulations on your new pet! Moxie sounds like a bundle of joy. But I can understand that all her energy can be tiring.
In addition to walks twice a day (or more, if you can swing it), give Moxie plenty of puppy toys to play with at home, and spend time with her on the floor just playing fetch and helping her work off more of that energy
She may also respond very well to a consistent schedule of walks, feeding and bedtime (yes, bedtime). Build certain predictable routines around each of these events. When it's time for a walk, call Moxie and have her sit while you put on her leash. During walks, keep the leash short and work on the "heel" command. But when in a safe, open area, give Moxie more room on the leash to explore. When it's bedtime, create a routine that is the same every night one that is positive, with a little play time and a signal to settle down and rest (such as turning down the lights).
Now, if Moxie's energetic behavior is morphing into something more serious, like destroying furniture or being aggressive toward other dogs or humans on walks, that's a problem you'll need to address as soon as possible. Talk to Moxie's vet about ways to reduce her hyperactivity and anxiety (if those are the causes). If she isn't responding to basic behavioral training, hire a trainer to help. Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.
(c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
TEFLON (continued):
• Teflon was also used as a component during the Manhattan Project, the code name for the United States’ effort to develop the first nuclear weapons. When U.S. intelligence received reports that German scientists were working on an atomic bomb, the Project began research and development for the Allies. The Project’s uranium plant was located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where Teflon was used as a material to coat valves and gaskets. The Teflon coating inside the pipes allowed for resistance to highly reactive uranium hexafluoride.
• Teflon has been vital to space travel as well. Due to its resistance to high heat, as much as 570 degrees F (300 C), it’s been used in space suits and rocket components. Teflon parts were used in the Mars Exploration Rovers, because of the ability to survive temperature extremes and travel over the planet’s rocky terrain.
• In the world of medicine, Teflon is used for surgical catheters, prostheses, and artificial body parts, including synthetic arteries. It’s a stain repellant for clothing, carpets, and upholstery, it’s used in windshield wipers and light bulbs, and it’s found in plumbers’ tape for sealing joints in water pipes and heating ducts.
• So what about those non-stick pans? In 1954, a French engineer named Marc Gregoire coated his wife’s cooking pans with Teflon, a product he had been using on his fishing tackle. After achieving success, two years later, he introduced the first Tefloncoated pans, using the brand name Tefal, combining “Tef” and “al” (from aluminum). In 1961, American professor and inventor Marion Trozzolo, who had been manufacturing Teflon-coated scientific utensils, marketed the U.S.’s first Teflon-coated pan, naming it “The Happy Pan.” One of Trozzolo’s original pans can be found at the Smithsonian Institute.
* A topcoat a day keeps the manicurist away! Revive your polish by giving the ends a quick coat of clear topcoat daily to extend the life of your manicure.
* "I like to cut out and save comic strips. I used to put them in photo albums with the plastic sleeves, but the pages were a little small. Now I use scrapbook pages, which are much wider. I just glue them to a coordinating color paper. They look much nicer, too." A reader in Virginia
sorbs any smells.
* If you have trapped hairs, try this trick: Wet an old, clean toothbrush and dip it in baking soda or body scrub. Gently exfoliate the area once a day for several days, and it should work itself right out.
* The hardware on my favorite purse started to look very banged up and flaking. I found a silver leaf pen at the craft store, and it was very easy to spruce my bag up again.
* To keep spring boots looking tall and smelling pretty good, loosely roll a thin stack of newspaper, stick it down the leg portion of your boot, then fill it with a stack of balled-up newspapers. It will support the leg, which will not flop over, causing cracks. And the newspaper ab-
* Bar soap is much more concentrated and eco-friendly than liquid body washes. These days, they are just as moisturizing as any liquid soap. Look for ingredients like shea butter or the words "ultra-moisturizing" and "added emollients."
Send your tips to Now Here's a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
(c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
